Basic Strategies for the IELTS Reading Test

The  IELTS Reading module evaluates a candidate's ability to comprehend and analyze written information in English. This part of the IELTS exam  requires not only a strong grasp of the language but also effective time management and strategic skills.

In this guide, we will explore a range of strategies designed to help candidates do well in the IELTS Reading test. These strategies are aimed at enhancing reading comprehension, managing time efficiently, and boosting overall test performance. By the end of this guide, you will be able to understand what reading skills to work on to maximize your score. 

​ 1. Work on improving your reading comprehension. 
      Comprehension means processing, interpreting, and extracting meaning from the words and sentences on a page or screen. In other words, we read to gather information, learn new concepts, and engage with the ideas presented in written materials. Here are some specific strategies to enhance your reading comprehension skills:

• Read a wide variety of materials in English, including newspapers, magazines, academic articles, and novels. The more you read, the more comfortable you'll become with the language and diverse writing styles.
• Identify main ideas and supporting details.  Practice identifying the main idea of a passage and the supporting details. This skill is needed to answer questions that require you to summarize the text.
• Summarize the text. After reading a paragraph, practice summarizing it in your own words. This forces you to be aware of what you just read. Often, we get to the end of a paragraph and suddenly become aware that we've read the words but were actually thinking about something else. Summarize again after reading the whole passage. What was the main point of the article or essay? This helps reinforce your understanding of the content.

2. Read the questions first.   
​     Before you dive into the passage, read the questions and instructions carefully. This can give you a sense of what to look for in the text and help you manage your time more efficiently.
Consider also that reading the questions first can actually reduce test anxiety. It gives you a sense of control and confidence because you're not just plunging into the text blindly. You have a roadmap for what you need to accomplish.

3. Practice time management.
     Keep an eye on the clock and allocate a specific amount of time for each passage and set of questions. Stick to your time allocation, and if you get stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later. 
    As you approach your test date, practice under exam conditions. Time yourself, limit distractions, and aim for a realistic test environment to build your test-taking stamina.

4. Skim and scan.
    Skimming is quickly reading the passage to get a general idea, while scanning involves searching for specific information or keywords related to the questions.

• Read the title and subheadings. Start by reading the title and any subheadings. This will give you an initial idea of the topic and the text's structure.
• Read the first and last sentences of paragraphs. Focus on the first and last sentences of each paragraph. These often contain the main point or summary of the paragraph's content.
• Look for keywords and phrases. While skimming, keep an eye out for keywords, phrases, or terms that are relevant to the text's subject. These will help you get a sense of the main ideas and key details.

5. Understand the test format.

• ​Number of passages: The IELTS Reading test includes three passages. These passages are usually taken from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or other authentic sources.
• Text types: The passages in the Academic IELTS Reading  focus more on academic subjects, such as science, history, literature, social sciences, and other topics commonly encountered in university-level studies.
  On the other hand, passages in the General Training IELTS Reading test cover everyday topics, such as travel, health, work, accommodation, and general topics that individuals may encounter in their daily lives.
• Question Types: Following each passage, you will encounter a variety of question types. These can include multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, summary completion, sentence completion, and more. The specific question types can vary in each test.
• Total Questions: There are typically 40 questions in total  with approximately 13-14 questions per passage.
• Duration: You are given 60 minutes to complete the entire IELTS Reading test. Allocate your time among the three passages as you see fit.

The IELTS Reading test is offered in two different formats: Academic and General Training, with a summary of differences below:

Aspect	Academic IELTS Reading	General Training IELTS Reading
Test Purpose	For those pursuing higher education or professional registration	For those planning to migrate, work, or undertake non-academic training
Content	Academic content, focused on various academic subjects	Everyday topics, related to work, travel, health, and general life situations such as job applications, travel itineraries, accommodation, and social interactions
Complexity	Generally more complex and text-heavy passages	Typically less complex, designed for a wider range of test-takers
Question types	Matching headings to paragraphs, multiple-choice, diagram labeling, summary completion, and others that assess academic comprehension	Matching information, true/false/not given, sentence completion, and identifying writer's views or claims. Emphasis on practical reading skills
Vocabulary	May include specialized academic words	​Everyday, accessible vocabulary encountered in daily life